Kailh Box Royal vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Blue Jade offer distinct features catered to different preferences. The Box Royal is well-regarded for its intense tactile feedback, boasting a sharp and binary tactility that provides a nearly aggressive typing experience. Additionally, the higher pitched sound profile adds to the overall tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade lacks specific standout features in terms of feedback but falls under the clicky switch category. If you prefer a satisfying click sound with each key press, the Blue Jade may be the better choice for you. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Blue Jade switches utilize nylon as the material for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound and create a duller, rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This means that both switches will provide a satisfying auditory experience for users who enjoy a more muted typing sound.
While both switches share the same nylon material for their housings, the design and construction of the switches may vary, leading to potential differences in feel and sound. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing mean that the bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing will influence the sound when a key is released. This distinction could result in subtle differences in typing experience between the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Blue Jade switches, despite their shared housing material.
In general, switches with nylon housings tend to offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Both the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Blue Jade switches are likely to provide a deep and full sound profile that is characteristic of nylon housing materials. Users can expect a pleasant typing experience with a more muted sound compared to switches made with harder plastics. Ultimately, while there may be slight variations in design and construction, the shared use of nylon housing in both switches ensures a consistent typing experience for those who appreciate the acoustic properties of this material.
Weight
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch with 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Royal requires a heavier 70 grams, while the Blue Jade is slightly lighter at 65 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of actuation and bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter keystroke may lean towards the Box Royal, as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, the Blue Jade offers a slightly heavier bottom out force for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Blue Jade switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Box Royal switch. The difference may seem minimal, but it can impact the typing experience. The shorter travel distance of the Box Royal switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Blue Jade switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Royal comes in at $6.25, whereas the Outemu Blue Jade comes in at $3.10.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When considering sound, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is known for its high-pitched click when pressed, giving a sharp and crisp sound that stands out among other switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch's sound profile is unspecified, so it's difficult to compare directly. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is distinguished by its sharp and binary tactility, offering a strong and aggressive tactile bump with each keypress. In contrast, there is no specific information available about the feel of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch. With this limited information, it's challenging to directly compare the tactile experience between the two switches.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is characterized by its sharp and aggressive tactility, producing a high-pitched sound that may appeal to users seeking a distinctive typing experience. While details about the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch are not provided, it's important to consider individual preferences and typing preferences when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch. Ultimately, both switches may offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's essential to try them out personally to determine which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, consider your preferences for tactility and sound. If you prefer a nearly aggressive tactility with a sharp and crisp tactile bump, then the Box Royal is the switch for you. The sound profile is relatively higher pitched, which may suit your preferences if you enjoy a sharper sound when typing. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force and a clicky feel without a strong tactile bump, then the Blue Jade switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize intense tactility and a higher-pitched sound, or a lighter tactile feel and clicky response in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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